Creating a Communication Passport
Creating a Communication Passport can be an incredibly useful tool for helping professionals understand your unique communication style, needs, and preferences. This resource can be tailored to your individual experiences, and having it ready to share with healthcare professionals, educators, or anyone else you interact with, can help them support you more effectively. Below is a template you can personalise and modify as needed.
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you with creating a communication passport.
Notes for Editing
This document is intended to be a flexible, editable resource. Feel free to update or add to any sections as you feel more is relevant to your experiences and needs. Consider adding specific scenarios, preferred language, or ways to express yourself when needed.
[Your Name]’s Communication Passport
Basic Information
Full Name: [Your full name]
Date of Birth: [Your date of birth]
Preferred Pronouns: [e.g., He/Him, She/Her, They/Them]
Emergency Contact: [Name, relationship, phone number]
About Me: Key Information
My diagnosis:
[Your diagnosis here] example: Autistic Spectrum Disorder
[Your diagnosis here] example: Depression and Anxiety
[Your diagnosis here] example: Fibromyalgia
How my diagnoses affect me:
[Things you struggle with here] example: I may struggle with sensory overload, difficulty focusing, or emotional regulation.
[Things you struggle with here] example: I can experience anxiety or overwhelm in certain situations, especially if they are unpredictable or not structured.
[Things you struggle with here] example: I may find it hard to express my emotions clearly or verbalise how I’m feeling.
[Things you struggle with here] example: I may have difficulty understanding or responding to social cues.
[Things you struggle with here] example: Routine and predictability help me manage stress and anxiety.
Communication Preferences
How I communicate best:
[Your communication style here] example: I prefer clear, direct, and simple instructions.
[Your communication style here] example: I may need time to process information, especially if it’s complex.
[Your communication style here] example: I benefit from visual supports like written instructions, checklists, or diagrams.
[Your communication style here] example: Sometimes I find it difficult to express myself verbally. I may need extra time to form my thoughts or communicate my feelings.
[Your communication style here] example: I may become overwhelmed in conversations if there is too much happening at once (e.g., too many people talking, loud noises).
[Your communication style here] example: Please allow me to ask for clarification if I don’t understand something.
What helps me communicate better:
[What helps you communicate here] example: Using visuals or written information: I can follow along better when instructions are written down or in a visual format.
[What helps you communicate here] example: Asking one question at a time: I might struggle if I am given multiple instructions at once.
[What helps you communicate here] example: Giving me time to process: Please give me a moment to think before I respond, especially if the topic is complex.
[What helps you communicate here] example: Being patient: If I seem quiet or unresponsive, it may be because I need extra time to process the information.
[What helps you communicate here] example: Positive reinforcement: Encouragement helps me stay engaged and motivated.
My Sensory Needs
What I am sensitive to:
[Your sensory needs here] example: Light: I may be sensitive to bright lights, flashing lights, or certain lighting conditions (e.g., fluorescent lights).
[Your sensory needs here] example: Sound: Loud or sudden noises, background noise, or crowded environments can be overwhelming for me.
[Your sensory needs here] example: Touch: Certain textures or fabrics may feel uncomfortable, and I may avoid touching certain objects or surfaces.
[Your sensory needs here] example: Smells and tastes: Strong smells or tastes may be overwhelming or intolerable.
What helps me with sensory sensitivities:
[Things that help you here] example: A quiet, calm environment helps me focus and feel more at ease.
[Things that help you here] example: If possible, please reduce sensory input (e.g., dim the lights, reduce noise levels, provide quiet spaces).
[Things that help you here] example: Allowing breaks or access to a sensory tool (e.g., noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys) helps
What to Do if I Am Overwhelmed or Struggling
Signs I may be overwhelmed:
[Signs you are overwhelmed here] example: Becoming very quiet or withdrawn.
[Signs you are overwhelmed here] example: Avoiding eye contact.
[Signs you are overwhelmed here] example: Fidgeting or repetitive movements (e.g., hand-flapping, tapping).
[Signs you are overwhelmed here] example: Staring blankly or zoning out.
[Signs you are overwhelmed here] example: Becoming agitated or upset (e.g., feeling anxious, angry, or sad).
[Signs you are overwhelmed here] example: Physical signs like shaking or deep breathing.
How to help when I’m overwhelmed:
[How to help you here] example: Give me space: Allow me some time and space to calm down, even if I don’t verbally ask for it.
[How to help you here] example: Be calm and patient: Speak in a calm, slow voice. Avoid raising your voice or becoming frustrated.
[How to help you here] example: Avoid forcing me to talk: I might not be able to express myself clearly when I’m overwhelmed. Let me take my time or use other forms of communication (e.g., writing, gestures).
[How to help you here] example: Provide a quiet area: If possible, help me move to a quieter or less stimulating environment until I feel ready to re-engage.
My Needs and Preferences in Treatment or Support
What works best for me:
[Things that help you here] example: Clear structure and routine: Having a predictable schedule or routine reduces my anxiety.
[Things that help you here] example: Breaking tasks into small steps: I can focus better when tasks are divided into manageable pieces.
[Things that help you here] example: Clear, specific feedback: If I’m doing something correctly or incorrectly, I prefer specific and constructive feedback rather than general comments.
[Things that help you here] example: Flexibility: I may need adjustments in how therapy or treatment is delivered, especially if it feels overwhelming or unmanageable.
Things that may not work well for me:
[Things that do not help you here] example: Ambiguity or too much uncertainty: I may struggle with open-ended instructions or a lack of structure.
[Things that do not help you here] example: Rushed sessions or tasks: I may need extra time to process, so fast-paced sessions may be challenging for me.
[Things that do not help you here] example: Too much verbal or social interaction: Large group settings or social interactions can cause me anxiety or overwhelm.
Mental Health and Coping Strategies
When I feel anxious, stressed, or low:
[Signs that you are struggling here] example: I may become quiet, withdrawn, or unable to engage. I may also become physically restless or agitated.
[Signs that you are struggling here] example: I may struggle to articulate my feelings, even if I’m feeling overwhelmed or upset.
[Signs that you are struggling here] example: Sometimes I may not be aware of how severe my symptoms are, or I might downplay how much I’m struggling.
Things that help me cope:
[Things that help you here] example: Physical activity: Going for a walk or engaging in physical movement can help me release tension.
[Things that help you here] example: Sensory tools: Fidget toys, headphones, or calming music can help me self-regulate.
[Things that help you here] example: Quiet time: Taking breaks in a calm, quiet space allows me to reset.
[Things that help you here] example: Routine: Maintaining a predictable structure helps me manage stress and uncertainty.
[Things that help you here] example: Talking about it in writing: Sometimes, I find it easier to communicate through writing rather than speaking.
Additional Information About Me
Strengths:
[List your personal strengths, interests, or things that you excel at. This could include hobbies, skills, or things that bring you joy.] example: I really enjoy playing games with my family, and walking my dog.
Things to avoid or be mindful of:
[List any specific triggers or things that you find particularly difficult to cope with, such as specific social situations, environmental factors, or types of language.] example: I find it difficult to cope in restaurants and cafes.
How I like to be supported:
[Provide any additional information on how professionals, family, or friends can best support you. This could include specific preferences for encouragement, ways to approach challenging situations, or coping mechanisms that are helpful.] example: I like to be reminded that I am doing well.
Emergency Information
Signs of a crisis or emergency situation:
[Describe any behaviours or signs that might indicate you are in crisis or require immediate support.] example: I become non-verbal.
Preferred emergency contact or response:
[Include instructions on what you would like others to do if you’re in crisis or need immediate help.] example: Please contact my mum.
Signature and Date
Signature: ___________________________
Date: _______________________________
Final Thoughts
This Communication Passport can help healthcare professionals, support workers, or anyone working with you understand your needs and preferences better. It gives them a framework for effective communication and highlights your unique strengths and challenges, which helps ensure that your care is tailored to your needs. You can adjust the sections as you see fit and update it regularly to reflect any changes in how you experience the world.